Summer Transfer News: 5 Smartest Moves £5 Million or Under

Here are the five smartest summer transfer moves for £5 million or under.

Arsène Wenger once signed Nicolas Anelka for £500,000 before selling him for £22.3 million. The French manager signed a world-class talent for a bargain-basement transfer fee before making a substantial profit. Talk about a genius.

Last season, Brendan Rodgers brilliantly took advantage of Gylfi Sigurðsson’s awkward situation at Hoffenheim, and the Icelander became an elite Premier League on loan for the Swans.

Now Michael Laudrup has persuaded Michu, a classic overachiever with high intangibles, to sign with Swansea.

Michu scored 15 league goals last season, taking 5.9 shots per goal, whilst playing with an agricultural Rayo Vallecano side. Rayo Vallecano is a team more known for their ravenous ability to win back possession, as epitomised by Javi Fuego, who was arguably the best ball winner in Europe last season.

2. Karim El Ahmadi, Defensive Midfielder, Age: 27

Was Karim El Ahmadi Feyenoord’s best player last season? No, Jordy Clasie was. However El Ahmadi’s experience, his ability to make tackles and complete incisive passes was a factor in Clasie’s rise to prominence.

As the Premier League’s reputation continues to grow, you’ll see more of these moves, where low-mid-tier Premier League clubs sign top-notch players for modest transfer fees.

Look at the impact Cheick Tioté made in the Premier League. El Ahmadi is a more calculated tackler and a better technician. Logic tells you that El Ahmadi will succeed in the Premier League.

If there isn’t an opening, El Ahmadi won’t launch a Hollywood pass like Charlie Adam, but the Moroccan will dink his way past his marker and make a high-percentage pass.

He is a thinking footballer who operates excellently with and without possession—what a wonderful signing by Villa.